Joseph “Joe” Minton (1944-2015)

Proud to be an American, Joseph “Joe” S. Minton, 71 of Arbuckle California passed away on, Saturday, October 24, 2015. He was surrounded by his family and friends.

Joe was born on July 17, 1944, in Dodge City Kansas, and was known for frequently using the phrase “Get out Dodge”. He was raised by Chet and Norma Minton; Joe traveled around the country as his father worked as a horse broker.

In the 1960’s, Joe and his family settled in Arbuckle, California.

As much as Joe traveled around the country, Arbuckle felt to be truly his home. He was proud to be a “Pierce Bear” and the recipient of the All-League Guard in 1963.

Joe became a Marine after graduating high school and served two tours in Vietnam. He received many decorations and honored with the purple heart.

Undoubtedly proud to serve his country, Joe swelled with pride when his son and grandson followed in his footsteps joining the Air Force and the Marines.

Following the service to his country, Joe relocated from Southern California to the greater Sacramento area where he was employed at Elm Ford for over 20 years.

Later, he drove truck during the tomato season and made dozens of friends and acquaintances while driving a mixer truck.

With great passion for model airplanes, fishing, and motorcycles – Joe was a Harley Davison man. He was a true Northern Californian sports fan, cheering on the 49er’s and the San Francisco Giants. Joe loved playing his guitar and had a great passion for music.

Joe treasured his family and friends, and treated everyone as a special gift in his life.

Known as the “Terrific Trio,” Joe had a wonderful and unique relationship with his best friends, Barbara and Guy Gomes. Joe also adored his grandson, “The apple of his eye”, Aiden Joseph Minton.

Joe is survived by his daughters Terry Breton (Mark) of Idaho, Cindy Minton of Idaho, Elizabeth (Mike) Smith of Chico, Ca., and his son Mike Minton of Nevada; grandchildren Zachary, Nicole, Gunner, Savana, Gregory, Kelsey, Casey, Jessica, Jakobb and Lucas; and great-grandchildren Nevaeh, and Quinn. He also survived his nephews, and numerous friends and family members.

He is also survived by his beloved four-legged companion, Buster.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Chet and Norma Minton, and his Sister Joi Baca.

At 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2015, a memorial service will be held at the home of Barbara and Guy Gomes (139 Commercial Street, Princeton, CA) alongside the Sacramento River in Princeton, California. A reception will follow at Rocco’s Banquet Hall in Colusa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to the Arbuckle Volunteer Fire Department (P.O. Box 727, Arbuckle CA 95912) or Field of Dreams (PO Box 217, Colusa; www.fieldofdreamsinc.org).

Is the Owner, Publisher, Editor, and Reporter of the Williams Pioneer Review. Committed to publishing the news of our Community, Lloyd has been the owner of the Williams Pioneer Review since 2010. To contact Lloyd about this article or future articles, please email him at lloyd@colusacountynews.net

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